[jlstyle]

I was rear ended last weekend and other driver's insurance is paying for the repair. I got estimates from BMW dealer, reputable shop(usual place i go for any damage) and from the insurance company, and reputable shop and insurance came out exactly the same and BMW dealer came the lowest. It's primarily due to them missing the exhaust replacement. So all three came more or less even but I can get it done cheaper at the reputable shop if I pay in cash. I'm sure I can do the same at the BMW certified shop since it's an independent shop. And insurance is paying for supplement charges to any shop I choose to work with if necessary.

My question is, will there be significant workmanship difference between them or are they more or less the same except the badges that they carry?
Repair doesn't require any mechanical repairs (at least from the visual) if that makes any difference.

Please share your experience.

[Dang3r]

Cant judge US shops (dealer or free) but a done repair by a certified dealer shop would seen here as a good ownership with worthy documentation plus keeps the value of the car.

[sgt3966]

Originally Posted by Dang3r

Cant judge US shops (dealer or free) but a done repair by a certified dealer shop would seen here as a good ownership with worthy documentation plus keeps the value of the car.

[Delta0311]

Dealers use a certified body shop for their work. They don't do inhouse bodywork.

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Dealers use a certified body shop for their work. They don't do inhouse bodywork.

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Dealers use a certified body shop for their work. They don't do inhouse bodywork.

Actually my dealer has a collision center in house and got their estimate yesterday. But they looked least competent.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Dealers use a certified body shop for their work. They don't do inhouse bodywork.

Not necessarily. We have our own body shop, it is located on the same lot.